Friday, March 16, 2012

Does This Move Bode Well for the Pitching Staff?

How concerned do the Yankees have to be concerned about Pineda, Hughes, and Kuroda to sign another veteran pitcher to join a rotation that already has Garcia as an odd man out? As much as I like this move, perhaps due nothing more to nostalgia, it raises some concerns about the current state of our starters and management's opinion of them.

No. They won't all be healthy at the same time. But I have to wonder whether Pineda's fastball or Nova's command issues or Hughes's history played into this more than depth concerns. That said, Garcia's already hurt, so clearly depth is always necessary.

I'm warming to this signing, provided Pettitte is willing to do what's best for the team. If he's willing to spend as much time as necessary to come back strong (even if it means pitching in the minors for a month) and will accept relief duty if that's the best thing for the team (there is a spot open while Joba recovers from TJ surgery), then this is a no-lose signing. If he demands a rotation spot at the expense of Pineda, Nova or Hughes, things get trickier.

Bottom line: Sabathia, Kuroda, Pineda and Nova should be locks for the rotation, barring injury. Hughes should be in the rotation - he is not a longshot to put up a league-average season, which is pretty great for a back-end guy. Pettitte can do that too, but Hughes could be part of the team's long-term plans. The Yankees should not give up on Hughes to get more starts out of Pettitte. If there are no injuries, Pettitte should accept a relief role.

Garcia is completely expendable. The Yankees are paying Burnett $20 million to pitch for the Pirates. They will pay Garcia $4 million not to pitch for them, if that's the best option.